Articles in ‘Money & Finance’

Kiwibank economists are warning that the Reserve Bank may now begin raising interest rates far sooner than previously expected, despite signs of weakening demand and slowing economic growth across New Zealand. By elocal · The latest Kiwibank analysis follows the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25%, although the Monetary Policy Committee was reportedly split 3-3 on whether rates should rise immediately. · According…

Kiwibank's latest economic commentary presents a picture that may look contradictory on the surface. Markets are reacting to peace headlines from the Middle East, fuel prices remain elevated, growth indicators are soft, and uncertainty still hangs over the economy. But beneath the volatility sits a message that may provide some cautious optimism for New Zealand households and businesses. By elocal Economic Desk · The key takeaway is not that…

Australia's latest budget changes are prompting renewed discussion around the differences between New Zealand and Australian tax systems, with some Australian commentators now describing New Zealand as a "tax haven" for investors and business owners. By elocal Report Desk · !Australia's latest government Budget has prompted some strong reactions · Australia's latest government Budget has prompted some strong reactions. Source: 123rf · The…

Kiwibank Update: Markets Hold Steady As Pressure Builds Beneath The Surface · by elocal Economics Desk · Kiwibank’s latest commentary paints a picture of an economy that, on the surface, appears stable, but beneath that surface, pressure is continuing to build across multiple fronts. · At the centre of the update is a growing disconnect between global market behaviour and underlying economic risk. · Oil Volatility Returns · Global oil markets…

A renewed spotlight has been placed on the structure of the global monetary system following a wide-ranging interview with author and researcher G. Edward Griffin. Interviewed By International Journalist Lara Logan. At the centre of the discussion is a claim that challenges conventional understanding: · “The Federal Reserve system… it’s a scam.” · The assertion reflects a broader argument that most people do not fully understand how modern…

Overview · New Zealand’s economy is showing signs of recovery — but the improvement remains slow, uneven, and highly exposed to external shocks. · After a prolonged downturn through 2024–2025, recent data suggests the country has moved off the bottom. However, the recovery is still in its early stages, with multiple structural and global pressures limiting momentum. · Growth: Modest and Below Potential · Economic activity has lifted slightly,…

Miles Franklin Media · Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief, Miles Franklin Media, sits down with Andy Schectman, Founder & CEO of Miles Franklin Precious Metals, to break down why France quietly took its gold back from the U.S. and what it signals about trust, the dollar, and the global financial system. · Gold may still be trading below $5,000, but according to Schectman, the real story isn’t price – it’s what’s happening beneath the…

Kiwibank economists are warning that raising interest rates in the current environment would be “tone deaf” and potentially “reckless,” as New Zealand faces rising costs driven by global instability and energy shocks. In its latest economic commentary, Kiwibank argues the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) should resist calls for rate hikes, citing heightened uncertainty linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on fuel prices.…

Kiwibank economists are warning that any move to raise interest rates in the current environment would be “tone deaf” and potentially “reckless,” as New Zealand households and businesses grapple with rising costs and global uncertainty. In a sharply worded commentary, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr and economist Alexandra Turcu argue that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) risks repeating past mistakes if it tightens monetary policy…

Frank Bergman · Mexico’s far-left government is accelerating globalist plans to roll out a sweeping biometric ID system while laying the groundwork for a cashless society, raising serious concerns about privacy, surveillance, and government control. · Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, officials are framing the initiative as voluntary modernization. · However, the details of the plans tell a different story. · Biometric ID Push Tied to…